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Mars Observer

Type

Orbiter

Launch

Sept. 25, 1992

Target

Mars

Objective

Take high-resolution photos of Mars
An illustration of NASA's Mars Observer spacecraft.
Credit: NASA
SpacecraftMars Observer
Mission TypeOrbiter
Spacecraft Mass2,244 pounds (1,018 kilograms)
Launch VehicleTitan III (CT-4)
Launch SiteCape Canaveral, Florida / Space Launch Complex-40
Scientific Instruments1. Mars Observer Camera (MOC)
2. Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES)
3. Pressure Modulator Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR)
4. Mars Observer Laser Altimeter (MOLA)
5. Magnetometer/Electron Reflectometer (MAG/ER)
6. Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS)
7. Radio Science Experiment (RS)
8. Mars Balloon Relay Receiver (MBR)

Key Dates

Launch Date: Sept. 25, 1992 

End of Mission: Aug. 22, 1993, communication lost prior to orbit insertion